A critical subject of the meeting was the condition of septic systems across various Granby properties, with detailed examinations of the challenges posed by local topography, soil conditions, and proximity to wetlands. Concerns were raised specifically about a property on Bachelor Street, where a leaking septic tank and an outdated clay tile system were identified. The system had not been in use for over two years, and the well’s proximity to the septic system was a topic of debate. The board deliberated on the necessity of a witness from the health department during inspections and discussed the implications of the current condition for the property’s future.

The discussion further extended to the need for additional features on septic systems such as pump chambers and alarms, tailored to each property’s unique environmental conditions. One property’s application on Barton Street sparked a debate over the need for venting on septic lines, with board members emphasizing the importance of considering uplift and ballast for properties with water tables greater than 3.2 feet from the bottom of the tank. The driveway design and its impact on wetlands were also scrutinized, underlining the need for conservation permitting.

In another instance, the board grappled with the potential outcomes of a Title Five inspection, which could necessitate the replacement of the tank, the Soil Absorption System (SAS), and the well. The impact of a private water system’s capacity and the implications of allowing another connection to it were debated. Cost control for homeowners emerged as a concern, with discussions centered on the expenses of required changes, including the installation of new drilled wells.

The meeting also delved into regulating the rise in events within the town, such as food and entertainment gatherings on private properties. The board discussed the adequacy of plans submitted for such events, focusing on sanitation, food preparation, parking, traffic, and noise disruption. Concerns were voiced over the submitted plans’ inadequacy and the need for professional site planning, as well as the missed deadline for submitting comments to the planning board. The possibility of setting a cap on the number of events per week to mitigate potential problems was considered, as was the use of the current permit system to regulate temporary entertainment events.

In the context of event planning and the potential impact on public health, the board debated a proposal from an event venue regarding trash storage and disposal and the provision of porta-potties. The impact of the venue’s operation on public health and the environment was a recurring theme, with no clear resolution reached during the meeting.

The board also touched upon broader administrative and logistical issues, such as the challenge of handling conflicts of interest and the use of local versus outside resources for tasks like perk tests and soil evaluations.